Controlled Substance

Controlled substance law consists of prohibitions against the unauthorized possession of drugs that the government has determined to be dangerous, habit-forming, or otherwise not appropriate for use without a prescription.

The fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine prevents the prosecution from admitting certain evidence into a criminal case after it has been tainted by a primary illegality. This doctrine is meant to remove illegally-acquired evidence from negatively impacting a criminal defendant.

While the country has been focused on ISIS and issues with domestic espionage, the current administration under United States Attorney General Eric Holder has made three major changes in federal sentencing law.

When accused of possessing marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, “molly,” or other illegal drugs or narcotics, the prosecutors have the burden of proving specific elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Many people don't really believe they should go to the expense of hiring a DUI lawyer when arrested for a drunken driving offense. Do you really need an attorney, should you just plead guilty? There are plenty of questions you probably have, which is just one reason you should at least speak with an experienced defense attorney.

There are often completely different outcomes in similar criminal cases depending on the statute an individual is charged with. Prosecution must be accurate and precise in their charging decisions. Charging someone with the wrong crime can result in charges being dropped; cases are lost all the time due to technicalities.

The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. However, the United States Supreme Court has held that a drug dog sniff that is conducted during a lawful traffic stop does not constitute a search as an individual does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in illegal contraband within a vehicle. However, there are specific rules that police officers must follow when bringing a dog sniff dog to the scene.

Hundreds of people plead "guilty" to drunk driving charges everyday. Unbeknownst to them, their lives will be dramatically changed for years to come. So, before saying "guilty", take the time to evaluate defenses to the drunk driving charge.